It’s the last day of June, and summer is definitely in full swing here in Philly—hot, humid, and no relief in sight. This is the time of year when I’m living in shorts, but finding tops that feel cool and flattering isn’t always as easy as it sounds.
Today I’m sharing a few recent outfits featuring the kinds of tops I reach for over and over with shorts, along with a roundup of similar styles if you’re looking to refresh your summer wardrobe.
A good basic V-neck tee in a fun color is an easy go-to with just about any pair of shorts. The Nora V-Neck Muscle Tee from EVEREVE is one of my favorites this season. I love this bright jade green, although some of the other colors have better availability.
I paired it with black linen shorts, barely-there sandals from Margaux, a raffia bag with black leather trim, and a few silver accessories. It’s a little dressier than most of my shorts outfits, but it’s perfect for casual backyard gatherings when it’s too warm for denim—or even just running errands when I want to look a little more polished.
EVEREVE Joelle Stretch Linen Shorts c/o (30) // Nora Muscle Tee (M) // Margaux sandals (39) // Madewell bag // Madewell cuff // Bryan Anthonys pendant & necklace c/o // Jenny Bird hoops c/o // YSL sunnies
On the more casual end of the spectrum, I love a tank top with shorts on the hottest days. The Free People Neria is one I reach for often, usually with denim shorts or my olive cargo shorts. The exposed seams give it a subtle boho feel, and the ribbed knit is soft and stretchy.
PAIGE Olivia Cargo Shorts (30) // Free People Neria Rib Tank (L) // TKEES Square Toe Lily c/o (8) // Clare V. Grande Fanny
And the Free People Jamie Henley Tank is another great option. It’s very similar but has a henley placket instead of a V-neck.
Fit note: I sized up to a large in both of these. They’re still fitted, but the larger size feels a little less clingy.
Free People Jamie Henley Tank c/o EVEREVE (L) // KUT from the Kloth Jane Denim Shorts (8) // Birks (39)
I also love this Madewell Rib Crewneck Vest Tank in the Chocolate Plum. (Other colors are on sale at Madewell, by the way.) It has all the ease of a tank top, but the button-front design makes it feel a little more interesting. The ribbed knit is lightweight, incredibly soft, and very comfortable.
Madewell tank (M) // Vineyard Vines shorts (10) – 30% off with code FIREWORKS // Dolce Vita sandals (8) // Jenny Bird earrings // YSL sunnies
I’ve worn it with white shorts, olive shorts, denim shorts, and several pairs of jeans. It’s incredibly versatile.
And a quick heads-up: my go-to white shorts are 30% off this week with code FIREWORKS, which is a great deal if they’re on your wishlist.
Left: Madewell Ribbed Crewneck Shell Top (M) // Risen Keira Raw Hem Shorts (30) // Loeffler Randall Taryn Jelly Flip Flops (8) // Madewell Mylie // Jenni Beaded Bracelet // similar earrings
Right: Madewell vest tank (M) // PAIGE Olivia Cargo Shorts (30) // Dolce Vita Cely Thong Sandals (8) // Jenny Bird Florence Earrings // Bryan Anthonys Sea Seeker Pendant & You Are My Sunshine Icon Necklace c/o // Tom Ford sunnies // similar bag
For a more relaxed fit, the Splendid Shelly Smocked Tank is a favorite. It has a boxier silhouette, and the high neckline and bra-friendly straps make it practical, too.
The lightweight smocked fabric is airy and easy to wear on even the hottest days. I have it in this gorgeous orangey-red shade, which pairs beautifully with white or denim shorts, and it’s currently 40% off with code FOURTH.
Splendid Shelly tank c/o (M) – 40% off with code FOURTH // Tommy Bahama shorts (M) // Madewell flip flops (8) c/o
Another bold red tank, this one features a fun off-white crochet detail. Pair it with denim shorts for an easy red, white, and blue look that’s perfect for the Fourth of July. (It’s also 40% off right now!)
Z Supply Clarke Tank (L) c/o – 40% off // Risen jean shorts (30) c/o // TKEES Square Toe Lily (8) c/o
If you prefer sleeves, another nice option from Z Supply is this ribbed tee with a flattering scoop neckline and cap sleeves. I have it in navy and paired it with my olive cargo shorts for a casual, pulled-together look that’s perfect for everyday summer wear.
Z Supply Long Weekends Tee (L) // PAIGE Olivia Cargo Shorts (30) // TKEES Square Toe Lily c/o (8)
And for a slightly more elevated look, this cotton-blend split-neck tee in a pretty shade of pink is one of my favorites to pair with white shorts. Of course, it looks just as good with blue denim or black shorts, making it an easy piece to dress up or down throughout the summer.
Sanctuary Split Neck Tee (S) // Vineyard Vines Herringbone Shorts (10) – 30% off with code FIREWORKS // J.Crew clutch // Quince Globe Hoops c/o // Sea Seeker Pendant & You Are My Sunshine Necklace c/o – 40% off // LOFT Bar Cuff Bracelet // Kaanas Alayta Sandals (8)
Those are a few of the casual tops I’ve been reaching for most often with shorts this summer. Whether you prefer a simple tee, an easy tank, or something with a little more detail, these are the kinds of pieces that make getting dressed in the heat feel a lot easier.
I rounded up a few more casual summer tops below that would be great with denim shorts, linen shorts, white shorts, or your favorite lightweight pants.
Casual Summer Tops to Shop
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15 Responses
I clicked your link to the Dolce Vita sandals and noticed that size 10.5 is available on their website, though 10 is the largest size offered for the same sandals through Nordstrom. 10.5 may be the worst shoe size to have! I’ll think I’ll order a pair.
I love your choices of tops. They all have interesting details. So helpful!
Oh, that is a difficult size to find, I’m sure. Glad you found them on their website. I believe shipping and returns are free there too.
Where do your white go to shorts fit – at the waist or below the waist?
My natural waist is about an inch under my bra band, lol, so nothing ever fits me to my actual waist. The waistband of these hits me right at the belly button. Hope that helps!
Well, the heat wave is here and getting worse for the 4th holiday and I’m going to a Phillies game tonight! Definitely shorts and baseball tshirt with sports sandals to keep my feet cooler! You look great in shorter shorts, but I am more comfortable in 7-9″ inseams. Especially for tonight, I don’t like the back of my thighs to be bare on those ballpark seats! Hope I survive, wish me luck! HAHA!! Also, I love the pink top and white shorts outfit, but where is that location? Doesn’t look like your house!
Yes, I am right there with you! I don’t like short shorts on those stadium seats. I am intrigued by the longer “jorts” I am starting to see styled in very fun ways … I am going to try some! That last picture was our room in St. Lucia!
Can you wear a regular bra with the red Z Supply tank? Thanks!
Yes I do!
Needed this post. I’ve been purging my closet too much and now need tanks/tops. lol I just ordered the Bloom pink shirt. Forgot about it as I liked it the first time you posted on that trip. I could only order the XS as the Small said only sold instore. The Small was available so that was strange to me it would not let me add to my cart. ????Hoping the XS fits. I wear both sizes depending on the style.
You look so great in these cute tops and shorts. I’m really interested in the ballet sneakers. I’ve never seen any but I really like the looks of them providing they offer support.
I’ve been staring at all your sandals here and past posts. I need some sandals other than my toe loop birks. I love birks but need something different. I need them to work for everyday wear this summer. I do need support and arch, I need to be careful of knee issue as well. I want to be able to walk for hours in them. Of all your sandals, which ones fit that bill, that you reach for this summer?
The only ones that I feel like I could walk in for hours are the ones with a molded foot bed. Like these. https://go.shopmy.us/p-57501050 Or https://go.shopmy.us/p-63143899
Out of my size on your sandal recommendation, but will check other places! Thank you!
You do look good in shorter shorts! Great basics and love all your sandals. I’m still recuperating from a horrible ankle sprain so I’m longing to wear sandals but….what are ya gonna do? 🤷♀️
Enjoy your night!
Oh no I’m so sorry to hear that!